LOS ANGELES, CA.- The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures today announced filmmaker and composer John Carpenter, two-time Oscar®-nominated actor Colman Domingo, and Oscar®-winning actress Charlize Theron as the honorees of its annual fundraising gala on October 17, 2026. Theron will be honored with the Icon Award, Carpenter will receive the Luminary Award, and Domingo will be presented with the Vantage Award.

The Academy Museum Gala advances the museum's mission to celebrate and preserve cinema. Through the generosity of gala donors, proceeds from the evening will help ensure the museum continues to present world-class exhibitions, support educational opportunities, offer dynamic public screenings, and remain accessible to visitors of all ages. Gala honorees directly champion the museum's mission by participating in public programming around the event. Previously announced programs include Charlize Theron in conversation with the museum's Teen Council on August 22, featuring a screening of Mad Max: Fury Road (2015); and John Carpenter will host three nights of screenings of his films, including Halloween (1978), on September 26, in celebration of The Horror Show , the Academy Museum's new large-scale exhibition.

Supported by Rolex, the exclusive presenting partner and founding supporter of the Academy Museum, the Gala is co-chaired by Robert Rodriguez, Steven Spielberg, and Kate Capshaw.

“The Academy Museum Gala is a celebration of the artists and storytellers whose work continues to shape the cultural impact of cinema around the world. For our sixth annual Gala, we are honored to recognize John Carpenter, Colman Domingo, and Charlize Theron, whose extraordinary careers exemplify the creativity, innovation, and excellence that continues to move the industry forward,” said Academy Museum Director and President Amy Homma. “The museum's work is made possible through the generosity of so many, and we are especially thankful to our partners at Rolex, our co-chairs, and our founding supporters for their ongoing commitment to our mission."

The Icon Award, presented to Charlize Theron, celebrates an artist whose career has had a significant global impact.

The Luminary Award, presented to John Carpenter, is given to an artist whose singular contributions have expanded the creative possibilities of filmmaking.

The Vantage Award, presented to Colman Domingo, honors an artist who is helping to challenge dominant narratives around cinema.





Rolex has championed cinematic achievement through its partnership with the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and is proud to support the awards given to these three distinguished artists.

The 2026 Academy Museum Gala Host Committee, also announced today, includes Jessica Alba, Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Adrien Brody and Georgina Chapman, Jon M. Chu, Kirsten Dunst, Nicholas Galitzine, Ludwig and Serena Göransson, Regina Hall, Kate Hudson, Jessica Lange, Greta Lee, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, Rami Malek, Demi Moore, Olivia Munn, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Questlove, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen, Bird Runningwater, and Teyana Taylor.

The 2025 Academy Museum Gala honored Penélope Cruz, Walter Salles, Bruce Springsteen, and Bowen Yang. The 2024 Academy Museum Gala honored Paul Mescal, Rita Moreno, and Quentin Tarantino. The 2023 Academy Museum Gala honored Meryl Streep, Michael B. Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, and Sofia Coppola. The 2022 Academy Museum Gala honored Julia Roberts, Miky Lee, Sir Steve McQueen, and Tilda Swinton. The 2021 Academy Museum Opening Gala honored Haile Gerima and Sophia Loren, as well as Academy Museum Campaign Leaders Annette Bening, Bob Iger, and Tom Hanks.